Liverpool's new cruise terminal moves another step closer

The document, to be considered by the UK city’s ruling Cabinet on 21 April, also seeks approval for a further £1.7m ($2.1m) to be spent on the next phase of technical studies and investigations into the feasibility of the plan to build and operate a purpose-built terminal capable of handling up to 3,600 turnaround passengers.

In addition, Liverpool City Council - the operators of the city’s existing 10-year-old cruise berth – is progressing a bid for a £20m ($24.8m) grant towards final construction costs of the proposed new terminal.

This bid is being made to an Investment Fund managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and will require the preparation of a full and detailed business case for the new terminal, today’s report notes.

A site for a new terminal was identified over a year ago.

It is envisaged the new building will be constructed on piles driven into the bedrock of the River Mersey at the northern end of the existing floating cruise berth pontoons. The terminal and pontoons would be joined by a new linkspan bridge.

The latest report to City Councillors states: “The Council is seeking to develop a comprehensive experience to enable the Cruise Terminal to be as successful and sustainable as a facility of international standard. To that effect, the Council is proposing two additional supporting projects – a hotel adjacent to the Terminal and a multi storey car park located within two miles of the Terminal to service turnaround operations.”

Officials are seeking permission to appoint a full technical team to advise the council on the next phase of the project. Once appointed, this team will be expected to commence detailed work immediately.

The report adds: “The appraisal and preparation for the Cruise Terminal has been progressing at a pace since August 2016. The project now requires an increased level of detail connected to preparation, consents, and assessments required to enable implementation should the project be confirmed.”

No timeline for construction - if approved – or commissioning is included in today’s report.